Sustainable seafood cheat sheet

Our oceans, which once seemed to hold limitless supplies of food and resources, are now suffering under the burden of rising temperatures and the increasing pressure of overfishing.

Organic and local are so 2007. Mark our words, sustainably-sourced fish will be the trend to make major waves in the next few years. Our oceans, which once seemed to hold limitless supplies of food and resources, are now suffering under the burden of rising temperatures and the increasing pressure of overfishing. Save the whales. Yes, but save the salmon and the tuna and the sharks, too! So which fish choices are the most sustainable?

To answer this question, the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California offers Seafood Watch -- a one-stop portal of information about issues, such as habitat damage and overfishing, and recommendations for the most responsible seafood choices. Plus, the site has a detailed guide to each seafood type, with info about where that particular species is caught and how, as well as mercury warnings, and scientific facts. Here's the coolest part: You don't have to memorize all that info. Rather, download and print a Seafood Watch Pocket Guide (there's a different sustainable seafood cheat sheet for six U.S. geographic regions). Each cheat sheet lists the best choices, good alternatives, and fish to avoid. Just fold it up. Put it in your wallet. Use it to make responsible, sustainable seafood choices in the grocery store or restaurant. The aquarium is also offering a brand new sustainable sushi cheat sheet. And don't forget to educate your favorite restaurants: Print out an Action Card that informs chefs of the issues and thanks them for offering environmentally responsible seafood.